Period correct weapons cleaning techniques and procedures??

[iraqvet05]

To All,
Any one have any information or where to look and find, period correct musket cleaning procedures?
Sure we all know the modern day cleaning, with different solvents, hot water down the barrel, enough time at events to sit around joke and clean with no threat of packing up and moving,etc. What tools and methods were availalbe on campaign. if its already been answerd please post the link
Thanks

Ronnie Raymond
CVG

[tsgalloway]

Re: Period correct weapons cleaning techniques and procedures??

Soldiers often used ash from the fire along with wool to polish/clean the external components of their weapons...

[tsgalloway]

Re: Period correct weapons cleaning techniques and procedures??

According to A companion to the new rifle musket By S. Bertram Browne(1859) "Directions for Cleaning the Stock -- Rub the Stock with a little linseed oil, after which wipe it well, and apply a little bees' was, more especially around the lock plate, and between the Stock and barrel, so as to prevent wet entering either into the lock or between the Stock and barrel" -- Memorandum Horse Guards, 6th January, 1856.

Now obviously this technique may be more difficult to try in the field. I've read other accounts where tallow, animal grease/fat is used in place of bees' wax...

[tsgalloway]

Re: Period correct weapons cleaning techniques and procedures??

From the same source..."Directions for Cleaning the rifle muskets. 1. Place the musket at full cock. 2. Pour about a quarter of a pinto of clean water into the barrel; in doing this hold the Musket in the left hand, in a slanting direction, keeping the muzzle a little below the elbow of the armwith the barrel downwards to prevent any spilt water running between the barrel and the stock. 3. Put a piece of rag or tow into the tag and surround it with the same, put it into the barrel immediately the water is poured in, and rub it well up and down, forcing the water out of the barrel through the nipple vent, which repeat once or twice. 4. Wipe the barrel well out with rag or tow until quite clean and dry, and then with an oiled or greased rag. Note -- By this mode of cleaning, it is expected there will be little liability of the barrels becoming rusted, and seldom any necesssity for removign the barrel from its stock, whcih is always obejectionable even Muskets fitted with the break off. Wipe out the oil or grease with a clean rag just before firing."

[Silas]

Re: Period correct weapons cleaning techniques and procedures??

if its already been answerd please post the link
Thanks

Ronnie Raymond
CVG

This is a common question frequently asked and answered. With a modicum of effort, you should be able to find the answers by using the search function on this forum. Or asking any of the many veteran nco's in the CVG.

I am invoking the "neighbor's cat" rule and closing this thread. See, http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...unction-use-it